Dr Anabel Inge, Deputy Head of Mission to the Holy See at the British Embassy, and Joyce McDougall, British Consul in Rome, have produced a Top Ten Tip Guide for pilgrims planning to visit Rome in the Jubilee year. Please see the guide here:
In addition to the Top Ten Tips, please note the following:
- Please ensure the emergency contact details are filled out in your passport
- Make sure you leave a copy of your travel itinerary with family or friends
- Keep a separate record of your emergency phone numbers and other essential contacts. If a passport and phone are stolen, very few people remember key contact numbers or passwords
- Have a backup plan to access your money. For example, bring two credit/debit cards and store them separately so that if one is stolen, you have an alternative means of making payments
- Theft from pilgrims is sadly commonplace in Rome. Please ensure your important documents and valuables are not easily accessible at all times
- Keep your passport safe. Never put it in the pocket of the seat in front of you on the aircraft. If you inadvertently forget it, you will be held in a holding room until the plane returns.
- Once through Arrivals, you may be approached by individuals claiming to be taxi drivers but who are not licensed. Always use the official taxi rank at the airport. Taxis are only permitted to charge one set price from the Airport to inside the city walls of Rome. If you are staying anywhere outside the city walls, they will be entitled to charge you a metered price for the extra distance.
- An alternative to taxis are the buses/coaches that run regularly from the Airport to Termini station and are very reasonably priced
- Once inside the city walls, it is not possible to hail a taxi as in this country. Either request your hotel to order one for you or download a Taxi App such as IT Taxi Samarcanda, which is free to download
- In Rome you must keep photo ID on you at all times. It is permissible to have a photocopy of your passport or other ID with you for this purpose, as it may be safer to keep the originals in a hotel safe
- If your passport is lost or stolen, you can apply online for emergency travel documents here: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-rome. The cost is currently £100.00 and takes between 4-8 hours following receipt of a correctly completed application
- In an emergency, the equivalent of 999 in Rome is 112
Advice on travel to Italy more generally is available on the UK Government website and on the travel to Italy pages, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/safety-and-security#Jubilee-2025-Holy-Year.
The British Embassy in Rome is available to help British travellers at all times whilst in Rome, and it is recommended that you visit their website before travelling via this link: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-rome
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is running a social media campaign ahead of the Jubilee. To access all updates, please follow FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) / X
Large groups intending to travel to Rome are requested to notify Dr Anabel Inge of dates of travel and numbers travelling. The Ambassador hopes to meet as many large pilgrim groups as possible to welcome them to Rome, so the earlier the information is received, the more likely this will be possible. Please send the information to:
Simona Prete | Senior Policy and Communications Officer | British Embassy | Holy See Via dei Corridori 48 – 00193 Rome Tel: +39 06 4220 4201 | Mob: +39 335 7516848 l Simona.Prete@fcdo.gov.uk
Information correct as at 12th December 2024